Trieu: Michigan makes push for 4-star OL Branson Bragg

Michigan is looking to make a move for Crandall (Texas) offensive lineman Branson Bragg. The Wolverines offered the 6-foot-4, 295-pound prospect, who was recently elevated to a four-star prospect by 247Sports after a strong performance at Nike’s Dallas Opening Regional.

Texas is considered the team to beat, but multiple programs are looking to come in on him.

“Most of the buzz for a long time has been that he’d wind up at Texas,” 247Sports analyst Gabe Brooks said. “But he has a Stanford offer and (Texas) A&M among many others, and Stanford is sometimes a trump card for kids down here.”

As for Michigan’s chances, Brooks said, “I’ve heard it’s all about academics and offensive line development for him. If he visits, Michigan could have a chance; they fit those criteria.”

That is good news for the Wolverines then as Bragg does hope to make it to campus.

“(The visit date) is to be announced to Michigan, but I for sure want to make it up there,” Bragg told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich. “Probably an official this fall — I’m excited about getting up to campus.”

Michigan has four commitments on the offensive line currently, but is still looking to add a player like Bragg, who has the physical style of play the Wolverines covet.

“Bragg combines a physical playing style with impressive intelligence to make a top-tier guard-to-guard prospect,” Brooks said. “Not only did he record 70 pancakes as a junior, but he scored a 30 on his ACT and owns a GPA north of 4.0. Bragg primarily played tackle as a junior, but is considered the top center prospect in Texas and one of the best in the nation. He is an aggressive block-finisher who gets to the second level well. He packs a powerful punch at the point of attack and will take his target to the ground if the opportunity presents itself.”

Michigan will have to battle for him, but Bragg has a familiarity with the Wolverine program and will look to see it for himself before making a decision.

“All the coaches that I’ve come in contact with have been really genuine,” he said.”I’ve always looked up to that program.”

The 247Sports Composite ranks Bragg as the No. 167 prospect and No. 3 center in the country.

UM target sets decision date

Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett cornerback DJ Turner has set a commitment date of June 25.

Michigan currently holds 100 percent of the predictions for Turner on the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound prospect has offers from Notre Dame, Florida, Nebraska, Auburn, Alabama and more. He last visited Michigan on April 21

UM makes top 8 for RB target

St. Louis (Mo.) Vianney running back Kyren Williams released a top eight over the weekend, which includes Michigan.

Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Notre Dame, Illinois, Stanford and Michigan State also made the cut, although most analysts view the Wolverines and Fighting Irish as the two primary contenders at this point.

A multi-talented prospect who contributed as a runner, receiver and defensive player as a junior, Williams is being recruited by the Wolverines as an all-purpose back.

He visited Michigan on April 21.

More information

Allen Trieu covers Midwest football recruiting for 247Sports. He has been featured on the Big Ten Network on its annual Signing Day Show. His Michigan and Michigan State recruiting columns appear weekly at detroitnews.com.